Information We Receive Automatically

When you visit the Public Domain Literature Library, our servers record routine technical details: your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring pages, and the date and time of each request. This information is used to diagnose technical issues, protect against abuse, and understand general usage patterns. We do not attempt to identify individual readers from this data unless required by law or to investigate a security incident.

Information You Voluntarily Provide

If you send us a message through the contact email address published on the site, we receive your email address and any information you include. We use those details solely to respond to your inquiry and for no other purpose. We do not sell or share your personal correspondence.

Site Preferences and Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies where they are enabled in your browser. These may include session cookies that remember your preferences during a single visit (such as text size or display mode) and persistent cookies that recall your choices across sessions. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling them may affect some site features.

Analytics and Advertising

Where enabled, we use analytics services to collect aggregated, non-personal information about how the site is used. These services may set their own cookies. If advertising is displayed on the site, third-party advertising networks may use cookies and web beacons to measure the effectiveness of their ads and to serve relevant advertisements based on your browsing activity. These third parties may collect information about your visits to this and other websites. You can opt out of interest-based advertising through industry programs such as the Digital Advertising Alliance or the Network Advertising Initiative.

Google Advertising Services

Where Google advertising services are displayed, Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other sites on the internet. You can learn more about Google’s advertising practices and opt out of certain features by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. We do not control the data collected by Google or other third-party advertisers.

Third-Party Cookies and Web Beacons

Some pages may include embedded content from third-party services (such as video players or social media buttons). These services may set their own cookies and use web beacons to track interactions. We have no control over these technologies and recommend reviewing the privacy policies of those services.

How We Use Your Information

We process your information for the following purposes:

• To operate, maintain, and improve the catalogue and its features.
• To respond to your communications and requests.
• To monitor and analyze usage trends and technical performance.
• To prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access.
• To comply with legal obligations.

Service Providers

We may engage trusted third-party service providers (such as hosting, analytics, or email delivery services) who have access to your information only to perform tasks on our behalf and under strict confidentiality agreements. They are not permitted to use your data for any other purpose.

Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information against accidental loss, unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain automatically collected server logs for a limited period needed for operational and security purposes, after which they are deleted or anonymized. Voluntary correspondence is retained only as long as necessary to address your inquiry and for record-keeping consistent with our internal policies. We do not retain personal data indefinitely.

Your Choices and Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete any personal information we hold about you, subject to applicable law.
• Object to or restrict processing of your data.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the email address provided on the site. We will respond within a reasonable time.

Browser Controls

Most browsers allow you to manage cookies and similar technologies through their settings. You can also use browser extensions or tools that block tracking scripts. Please note that disabling certain cookies may limit the functionality of the site.

Children’s Privacy

This site does not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it. We encourage parents and guardians to supervise children’s online activities.

External Links

The catalogue contains links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

International Access

This site is operated from New Zealand. If you access it from outside New Zealand, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in New Zealand or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to such transfer, storage, and processing in accordance with this policy.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review it periodically.

If you have questions about this policy, please contact the editor at the email address listed on the site.